Lost your job due to COVID-19? Here’s how to apply for unemployment

A State of Michigan Unemployment Agency office is seen in Cadillac Place that is currently closed because of coronavirus, COVID-19, in Detroit, Michigan on March 26, 2020. – President Donald Trump, keen for an early lifting of economically costly social distancing measures against the coronavirus, said he would propose dividing the United States by risk levels. In a letter to state governors released by the White House, Trump said that better testing now allows the mapping of virus threat on a local level. (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY / AFP) (Photo by JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP via Getty Images)

DALLAS (NEXSTAR) — Millions of Americans are out of work due to the coronavirus pandemic. Experts say it’s essential to act quickly and apply for unemployment benefits to protect your financial future.

Because filing for unemployment differs by state, you can go to careeronestop.org to get yourself moving in the right direction. You can find “File for unemployment benefits” under “COVID-19 unemployment insurance info.” After selecting your state from the drop-down menu, you’ll get the needed links to file your claim. Careeronestop.org is a website sponsored by the Department of Labor.

Some states will ask for
additional person information about dependents.

In most cases, you’ll likely start receiving
benefits within 3-6 weeks. According to
NBC News, payments may be issued by direct deposit to your bank account or via
a debit card.

The coronavirus relief package extends the amounts of compensation you’re eligible to receive. Once you’re on employment insurance in your state, you will be eligible for an extra $600 per week in emergency federal compensation through July 31, 2020.

According to the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, the unemployment benefits are worth about $260 billion. The new benefits should come alongside direct cash payments to individuals, according to NBC.

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